New Yorkers hold vigils, fundraisers for Nepal earthquake victims

JACKSON HEIGHTS (WABC) -- New Yorkers with roots in Nepal are holding vigils and looking for ways to help after the catastrophic earthquake that killed more than 3,700 people.

An all-night vigil was held Sunday night in Jackson Heights, Queens and will continue Monday. "Basically, we're lighting candles in memory of people we lost in Nepal and hoping that the ones unaccounted for are actually alive," said Phurpa Lama of the Yolmo Youth Club.

Pralay Rajbhandari's entire family was in Kathmandu when the earthquake hit and nearly destroyed their home, but they were lucky they made it out alive.

"I got a chance to speak to him like 2 minutes...he said pray for us," said Pralay- a sentiment shared by many in Jackson Heights, where members of the New York Nepalese Football Club held a fundraiser.

Many people in the close-knit community are still desperately trying to reach their families in Nepal. On Monday, they will send money to the region. So far they have raised roughly $22,000.

Eyewitness News spoke to one man by cell in Kathmandu about what is needed, and it was clear just how unstable things still are.

"The main thing is shelter and water," said Masuj Gurung.

One of many aftershocks are still rattling that area. And though the New York Nepalese Football Club is many miles away in a small square in Queens, they are determined to do what is need to get through this catastrophe.

"Let's get united, let's pray for Nepal, and god gives us the strength to rise back up again," says Rakesh Silwal.